Meet Our Board

Martel Okonji

Board Chair

When he’s not fathering or focusing on self-care, Martel Okonji centers over 15 years of robust experience working with communities, local and government leaders, and legislators in the fields of education, juvenile justice, public health, and homelessness. His experience navigating homelessness coupled with a scholar-practitioner approach supports his focus and intent on equity and justice to liberate and heal communities. His expertise ranges from organizational effectiveness and development; community centered program implementation and design; community development approaches and practices; and staff development.

His breathe working with government institutions, education, nonprofit agencies and institutions led to successful development of various programs, organizational departments, resource centers and initiatives to engage community towards progressive change.

Okonji has been honored by city and state officials as an agent of change in the Los Angeles and California communities at City Hall. Currently, Okonji is the Board President for Seed House Project, Neighborhood Council Equity Officer, Executive Partner and Founder of DCT Consulting while completing his PhD in Leadership and Change at Antioch University focused on the intersections of leadership and community development.

Iberia Calix

Board of Directors

Passionately driven to help bring information and resources to underserved communities, Iberia has worked with various populations and organizations over the past 13 years. Her journey into social services began as a crisis counselor and advocate at Peace Over Violence where she provided counseling to survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Dedicated to figuring out pathways for young adults to progress towards self-sufficiency, Iberia spearheaded the Youth Enhancement Services program and served on various committees, such as DEI and Crisis Prevention Intervention, while working at First Place for Youth. Iberia’s commitment to youth development and transformation through case management and social work expanded her desire to get involved with equity-centered program implementation and design. She brings extensive experience working with different sectors within the TAY population, including pregnant and parenting, extended foster care, human trafficking, and probation.

While earning her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, she taught introductory psychology at California State University Northridge and worked at the Mood Disorders Clinic. Working as a research associate for the Gambling Studies Program at The UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior strengthened her appreciation for research and using a data-driven approach when making decisions. Her collective experience led her to SPY where she serves as the Director of Housing.

Dr. Andrea Humphrey

Board Treasurer

Andrea or Dr. Dre, as she is playfully called, is a dynamic, humorous and down to earth Author, Speaker, Coach, Pastor and Leadership Specialist. Not only does she function as CEO of her own executive development company, I.Q. Training Inc., but she also serves as Lead Pastor and visionary of H.O.P.E.’s House International Ministries. The intersection of the marketplace and ministry is where she feels right at home, this businesswoman/entrepreneur is impacting lives daily as the President & CEO of the Hope Community Development Center in Granada Hills. Graced with an unusual capacity to see greatness in people, she is always in pursuit of practical ways to help transform lives spiritually, mentally, financially, emotionally and physically.

Using her financial management skills that she honed during her 20 years at the Walt Disney Company and in MBA School, she supports the financial growth of SHP . Her experience as a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager at Disney helped her understand cultural differences and how to use storytelling as a means to communicate differences and bridge gaps. As a successful church-planter she teaches how to establish and maintain a local church. Her two books, More Than Just His Wife, (It’s Time to Come out of the Shadows) and Transformed for Purpose have impacted people all over the globe but none more importantly than her joy, her two daughters, Lauryn and Sydney.

Matthew Siegrist

Board Secretary

Matthew is a highly accomplished professional with a strong educational background and a wealth of experience in the realms of business, law, finance, and operations. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from California State Northridge, where he laid the foundation for his successful career.

Determined to expand his horizons and deepen his expertise, Matthew pursued a Juris Doctor degree from the esteemed Thomas Jefferson School of Law. This rigorous legal education equipped him with a profound understanding of the intricacies of the law and a strong foundation in critical thinking and problem-solving.

After completing his legal studies, Matthew embarked on a remarkable journey in the private sector, where he has thrived for over a decade. His career has been primarily based in the vibrant San Diego area, where he has made significant contributions to various consulting firms.

In his professional endeavors, Matthew has consistently demonstrated his exceptional abilities in finance, operations, and law. His comprehensive skill set, which spans multiple disciplines, has enabled him to approach challenges with a well-rounded perspective and find innovative solutions. His expertise has been instrumental in helping businesses navigate complex financial and legal landscapes while optimizing their operations for success.

Krystal Sims

Board of Directors

Krystal Sims is a highly accomplished and versatile professional in the non-profit social services industry. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and Family Consumer Sciences with a focus on Family Studies from California State University, Northridge, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than ten years of experience in homeless services. With extensive experience in various fields, including homeless services, human resources, healthcare, and higher education, Krystal is skilled at developing and implementing programs and procedures that align with organizational culture, values, and vision while promoting system change and professional growth.

Krystal currently serves as the Director of Recruitment and Onboarding and is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team at LA Family Housing, a leading non-profit organization specializing in homeless services and real estate development. During the pandemic year of 2020, Krystal’s inclusive and analytical recruitment strategies led to a 51% increase in her agency’s workforce. Her passion for talent acquisition, social services, and connecting individuals with opportunities is palpable. In her free time, Krystal enjoys expanding her knowledge of financial investments and real estate investing and sharing that knowledge with others.